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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 1/2015

01-01-2015 | Original Article

Health system challenges for the management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes: an empirical qualitative study from Syria

Authors: Balsam Ahmad, Fouad M. Fouad, Madonna Elias, Shahaduz Zaman, Peter Phillimore, Wasim Maziak

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Special Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Objectives

To explore through empirical qualitative data health system barriers to effective management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Syria before the crisis, and how such analysis can inform the building of a post-crisis system.

Methods

Data were collected through document review, semi-structured key informant interviews, and fieldwork in clinics.

Results

Institutional commitment to address the increasing burden of CVD and diabetes in Syria was limited and uncoordinated. Challenges included an increasingly split healthcare system, with private provision for those who could afford it, and a residual state health sector for the majority. Public trust in the system had been declining.

Conclusions

We conclude that lack of effective management of CVD and diabetes indicated weaknesses of the state and its retracting role in providing effective healthcare. Such weaknesses that existed before the crisis are now compounded by new challenges resulting from wide destruction of the health system due to the ongoing war. The rebuilding of post-conflict heath care system may benefit from insights into the structural problems of the pre-crisis system.
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Metadata
Title
Health system challenges for the management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes: an empirical qualitative study from Syria
Authors
Balsam Ahmad
Fouad M. Fouad
Madonna Elias
Shahaduz Zaman
Peter Phillimore
Wasim Maziak
Publication date
01-01-2015
Publisher
Springer Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue Special Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0594-2

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